The Male Factor: Why 50% of Fertility Issues Start with Sperm Health Raul Pastrana

Raul Pastrana is a degree-qualified naturopath specializing in fertility and reproductive health, with a particular focus on male fertility—an area that's often overlooked in the fertility conversation. He works closely with individuals and couples through preconception care, IVF preparation, and natural conception, creating tailored treatment plans based on semen analysis, blood pathology, and each person's unique circumstances. Raul is the author of The Male Factor: Fertility is a Shared Responsibility , where he explores how men can actively influence fertility outcomes and provides practical strategies to improve sperm health. Drawing on his background as both a naturopath and personal trainer, Raul has a gift for translating complex health information into actionable changes that people can actually integrate into their daily lives. He is passionate about shifting the narrative around fertility from being solely a "women's issue" to recognising it as a shared responsibility that requires equal investigation and treatment for both partners. In this episode, we cover: Why male factors contribute to at least 50% of infertility cases, yet women carry the burden of investigation and treatment How sperm health impacts not just conception, but pregnancy loss, complications, and long-term child health The 72-74 day sperm production cycle and why this gives men unique leverage to improve outcomes quickly What's actually being measured in a semen analysis—and why "normal" reference ranges are based on the 5th percentile DNA fragmentation: the critical test that's often overlooked and what it reveals about fertility potential The main factors that influence sperm health: medications (SSRIs, finasteride, ibuprofen), alcohol, antibiotics, and lesser-known culprits The seminal microbiome: what healthy versus dysbiotic looks like and how gut health influences reproductive health Real case studies of dramatic sperm improvements after addressing underlying factors Why proper testing and preconception care matter even when pursuing IVF If you or someone you know is navigating fertility challenges—or simply wants to optimize reproductive health—this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights that could change outcomes. Pre-order The Male Factor: Rauls website , Rauls instagram WORK WITH ME: Book a 1:1 Consultation: Shop BetterMe Tea: Website: Instagram: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

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The Male Factor: Why 50% of Fertility Issues Start with Sperm Health Raul Pastrana is an episode from Love & Guts by Lynda Griparic.

This episode is 59:35 long.

This episode was published on Feb 6, 2026.

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